Botox
What is Botulinum Toxin / Botox
Botulinum Toxin is a protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. Botox is specific pharmaceutical brand of a derivative of the toxin. This substance when absorbed into parts of a nerve, deactivates that nerve's connection to the muscle. This is by blocking "neuromuscular transmission" - i.e. stopping the chemical messages of the nerve from reaching the muscle. This effectively results in the muscle being "switched off," or its contraction reduced or "turned down."
A similar process occurs in the nerves to "switch off" sweat glands, when Botox is used for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
How does Botox correct wrinkles?
Repeated contraction of facial muscles during everyday life causes creases in the skin in areas of greatest movement. Also, as we get older, the production of collagen and elastin production in our skin is reduced. In time, these areas of greatest use become damaged and the lines become permanent (sometimes called "Skin Fractures.") By reducing the amount of movement in these areas, the skin stops being repeatedly creased and is allowed time to recover, causing lines to soften and fade.
The response to treatment can vary, based on the characteristics of the individual patient. For example, men require more Botox to obtain similar levels of relaxation hi the muscles. The effect on the nerves to the muscles is temporary. As the effect of the Botox treatment wears off, movement will gradually increase. Several treatments may be required each year for the first few years, eventually only a yearly treatment may be required.
How long has Botox been in use?
Botulinum toxin was first used in 1978 as a treatment for patients who suffered from eye squint due to overactive muscles surrounding the eye (blepharospasm.) It was noticed in these patients that, subsequent to toxin treatment, the lines and wrinkles around there eyes noticeably unproved. This discovery lead to its widespread use for cosmetic applications.
Botox also has a number of other therapeutic uses - Excessive sweating, muscle spasms, Parkinsons's disease, Cerebral Palsy, and recently migraine headaches.
How safe is Botox?
It is true that in high concentrations, Botulinum Toxin is dangerous. However, Botox used in very small, localised doses, has a very high margin of safety, and its effects are temporary.
What happens in a treatment?
Your practitioner will ask you to demonstrate certain muscles of your face to observe how they work, and will then plan the dosage and distribution of the treatment. You may be offered a local anaesthetic cream to increase the comfort level of the procedure. With an extremely fine needle and minimal discomfort, Botox is injected in precise dosages to the appropriate areas of the face. Immediately following the procedure, slight redness and swelling may be present. This usually resolves in an hour or two. You are encouraged to use you facial muscles frequently for the hour following treatment as this increases the uptake of the Botox. The effect on the muscles usually becomes apparent within 3-4 days after the procedure, and reaches its maximum level at about two weeks; however this may vary between individuals. Between 2-6 months following treatment you will notice increased muscles movement again.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects of this treatment are rare and temporary. Occasionally a temporary drooping of the eyelid can occur. This may last a few weeks, but will always resolve. Special eye drops can be prescribed during this time to help lift the lid back to the normal position, hi extremely rare cases, patients have developed an allergy to the treatment, whilst others have shown resistance - i.e. having little or no effect on the treated muscles.
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